The new Honda ASIMO

One of the most famous (if not the most famous) humanoid robots has a new version. The new ASIMO is lighter, faster and with almost twice as many degrees of freedom, also much more dexterous. Its advancement of intelligence capabilities allow it to take into account other people’s movement and adjust its path according to where they are and also where it predict they go. It acknowledges data from its surroundings and acts autonomously with much improved ability to handle objects. Kinetically it is also superior to its predecessor, it can run faster, hop and move over uneven surfaces. You can find an extensive description of the new features of ASIMO at Honda’s press release.

Apart from all these improvements probably the most important announcement is the establishment of Honda Robotics as a distinct firm that covers all robotic research, and product applications. The day when concepts like the ASIMO, the mobility assisting aids and other prototypes showcased by Honda will become commercial products is coming closer and the different colors of the new ASIMO, a tiny detail by itself, it could underline that transition.